Martens, John P. (1922-1974)

Mennonite Brethren Herald obituary: 1974 Nov 29 p. 29

Birth date: 1922 Apr 29

text of obituary:

JOHN P. MARTENS

John Martens was born April 29, 1922 in the village of Sergejevka, Southern Russia. He was born a strong, healthy baby, the joy of his parents, Peter and Helen Martens. In December, 1926 they emigrated to Canada and found their first home in Niverville, Manitoba. A move to their own farm was a happy and satisfying time for the whole family.

Shortly thereafter, Johnny suffered an accident which was to damage his spine and affect his whole life. Though his parents did everything possible to ease his distress, medical knowledge at that time limited the possibilities of his restoration to complete health.

Although visible signs of the accident remained his inner life seemed devoid of bitterness. His parents were very concerned that he lead as normal a life as possible. And, as his health and general circumstances permitted, he attended classes and made good progress.

On his tenth birthday his dear father passed away after a prolonged and painful illness. His death was a very difficult experience for the family, and necessitated a move to the village of Niverville where the children resumed their education.

Here Johnny found his faith in Jesus Christ and was received into the fellowship of the Mennonite Brethren Church.

Later the family moved to Winnipeg. After all his siblings had married, John stayed with his mother who thus could take special care of her son until her passing on March 16, 1965.

After the maternal home was dissolved, John resided in several places. He enjoyed many friendships and was a welcomed guest whose current opinions contributed richly and uniquely to each household. He did not display self-pity and his spiritual battles, of which no doubt there were many, were fought silently and with God's help.

For 20 years John worked for the Provincial Government, until his ailment made further service impossible. The last few winters were spent in Mexico where he also found many friends.

As, toward the end of his life, his sufferings became very acute, he longed for and waited for the call of the Lord Saviour. He responded to that call, fully and with a secure faith on October 7, 1974.

John is survived by a brother Peter and wife Lillian, four sisters and their spouses: Helen (Mrs. Peter) Hamm, Mary (Mrs. Jake) Loewen, both of Winnipeg, Olga (Mrs. Vic) Schroeder of Regina, and Lori (Mrs. Abe) Loewen of Steinbach, Man.; as well as a number of nieces and nephews.